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Training and Development Professional

Training and development professionals conduct workshops, seminars, retreats, conference sessions and individual coaching sessions for young people and adults. They may also develop, design and evaluate training programs, curricula and materials.

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in researching employee benefit programs and health and safety practices to recommend policy changes and modifications, and in planning staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs

METHODICAL

Interest in co-ordinating information to administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs; in co-ordinating employee performance and and appraisal programs, in managing programs and maintaining human resources information and related records systems; and in hiring and overseeing training of staff

SOCIAL

Interest in negotiating collective agreements on behalf of employers or workers; in mediating labour disputes and grievances, providing advice on employee and labour relations, and in advising managers and employees on the interpretation of personnel policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

consult with clients about the best way to implement new training programs

design new training programs or adapt existing ones

deliver training in a classroom, or through webinars or online discussion groups

design communication plans to promote training programs

develop course materials such as handouts and visual aids

book audiovisual materials and equipment

co-ordinate group exercises and training instruments

make copies of materials for participants

report on training outcomes using standard evaluation tools

calculate (or help clients to calculate) program ROI (return on investment or cost vs benefits)

teach short seminars or full term courses for post-secondary schools (usually offered through continuing education)

conduct workshops for small businesses

make presentations at professional association meetings, conferences, retreats or symposiums

present short professional development sessions to staff members

provide in-house training for government employees.

Training and development professionals use many techniques such as group discussions, role playing, simulations, team exercises, videos and lectures. Their goal is to help participants:

develop skills

foster interest and acceptance

enhance self-esteem and personal development

build healthy working relationships

improve team work.

Training and development professionals must keep up to date in their field by reading current journals, magazines and books.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 30, 2017

Training and development professionals work in settings such as hotel conference rooms, corporate boardrooms, college classrooms, retreat centres, government training rooms, community centres, hospital training facilities, computer labs and home offices. They may work regular business hours or offer evening and weekend training sessions. Preparation and design work may be done in the evening or while travelling.

Strength Required
Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 30, 2017

Training and development professionals need to possess:

flexibiliy, respect and patience in dealing with others

good organizational skills

effective public speaking skills

an ability to present information in a way that is clear, interesting, practical and appropriate for client learning styles

a willingness to take risks and be creative

They should enjoy:

independence and variety in their work

helping others with their personal and professional growth

being innovative

being recognized as experts in their fields

managing their own businesses.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 30, 2017

A bachelor's degree or professional designation plus experience in adult education is rapidly becoming the minimum requirement for training and development professionals. They must:

understand the needs and characteristics of adult learners

be skilled at interpersonal communications, leading group discussions and resolving group conflicts

Training and development professionals also must have expertise that is in demand. For example, they may be experts in management development, fostering quality service, managing change or other areas of personal development.

Although many training and development professionals do not have a university education, it can be difficult for those without post-secondary education to break into the field. Many of their competitors have a master's degree, have worked for several years in their fields, and have spent time facilitating groups.

A bachelor's degree in human resources, adult education or a business-related field would provide a good background for those entering this field. Universities and colleges throughout Alberta offer many suitable degree programs.

In general, admission requirements for bachelor's programs include an average of 60 to 80% in English Language Arts 30-1 and 4 other approved Grade 12 subjects.

For information about specific programs and requirements, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the Institute's website.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the Institute's website.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Mar 30, 2017

Training and development professionals are self-employed and therefore work in a variety of settings including:

large organizations

government departments

post-secondary schools.

Their contracts may vary from half-day sessions to long-term contracts (6 months to a year). The list of situations in which training and development professionals work is virtually endless.

With increasing business competition, developing a productive labour force has become a major concern for most organizations. The need to train employees in areas such as organizational change, strategic planning, creative problem-solving and conflict resolution has created growth in the training field.

Training and development professionals are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1121: Specialists in human resources. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)

size of the occupation.

Over 12,300 Albertans are employed in the Specialists in human resources occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 172 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As training and development professionals form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for training and development professionals.

Wage & Salary

Updated Mar 30, 2017

Incomes in this field vary considerably from one person to another and from one year to another. Training and development professionals usually charge a set fee per day or per contract (contracts may include content development as well as teaching). Often, preparation time is included in negotiated fees because it is not paid directly.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

A: High Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Mar 30, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.